Saturday, March 8, 2008

Every spring, a couple of mallard ducks drop down from the sky into our pond and swim around in their mating ritual, reminding us that winter is really over. We returned too late for them this year, even as snow storm pounded Chicago. But we're home now; it's quiet here, and purple crocuses have bloomed already. More than 175,000 people came to see the artwork Paintings Below Zero at Millennium Park, but today the wall is down - now just a reflection in all our minds.

Got a note from Matt Hotz.

I took a moment and looked up yesterday and was amazed that two months have just blurred by. Been feeling a bit sad. 'Spose after such an intensive time invested in one thing and then to kill it and then pack it all up, I've been left empty for emotion.

Gord’s hockey buddy Brett McGillvray and his wife, Carole Ann Glover, invited us to dinner for a “Best and Worst’. Everybody gets a turn. You narrow the time frame, or the event, and then you find the moment which stands out for you as best, and the one you’d classify as worst. The topic was the past two and a half months.

For us, Chicago.

I had a hard time coming up with a Worst. I did have one absolute Best. Here are others:

One of the earliest was learning that CN was going to be the presenting sponsor - a Canadian company who felt they'd be proud to affiliate with Paintings Below Zero. At opening, Jim Foote’s comments that they were very pleased with their sponsorship, a Best.

Millennium Park was definitely a Best, the location, the artwork, the people who worked with us.

Another: that employees at the City of Chicago Cultural Department were reading - and enjoying the blog. Next, I learned that a decision had been made to put the blog on the official website, so that access to the adventures of Paintings Below Zero would be available to anyone who logged on to Museum of Modern ice.com

For me, the many people (of all ages and walks of life) who came to see the work and who shared their comments with Gord as he worked on the wall: an enduring Best. Every day he would come back, exhausted, but fulfilled in a way I hadn’t expected.

“People are just so thankful,” he would say, with humility and disbelief. What became a lasting Best was the sense of emotional attachment which they seemed to have towards the painting, as if they were trying to capture something of this ephemeral work and take it home: a photo, an autograph, a conversation.

There was continual fascination: from creation, to installation, to the changing

nature of the art. A delight in the flame-torching -- watching the color re-emerge from the white frost.

Warmth would soften the pieces and rain deepened the colors and made them shine. Drips would freeze mid-drop when the weather changed quickly.

Colors migrated towards the edges of the artwork, sat on the top and sometimes, fell off. There was a lacy stage. Here is a piece which fell onto Matt and then onto the cement.

A thousand pieces of art were created every time someone cropped a piece of the work into a photograph.

People came back two, three, four times to see what had changed and why. I overheard many explaining it to each other, to their children and friends, and when they couldn’t go on, a tap on the blue jacket to question the docent or crew member.

As the month went on, pieces which were made in the cold dark Fulton were brought out, and we delighted in seeing them again against the evolved painting.

Intelligentsia was a Best.

The Fulton, a strange and wonderful Best.

There were so many qualified people working for our project, doing the things that in the past, I had struggled singlehandedly to do -- especially press and marketing.

Every time Christine or Brooke called me, it meant there was another article, or interview to be scheduled which would get the word out.

We were inundated with requests, and in the end, we earned a list of press mentions that any project would be proud to have.

And every time I got an email or call from Lauren Gentile, Pam Morin or Sarah Best it was some new and beautiful piece of artwork which they had designed. Would I look over the copy? Could I provide captions for the photos? These tasks were joys.

When I opened the door to our suite at The Hard Rock Hotel, I knew we would be happy there. But I didn’t know how great the staff would be.

The hotel itself was two blocks down Michigan Avenue from Millennium Park, and one block from the Lakeshore Athletic Club; it couldn’t have been more convenient. Modern design, spacious and clean, with a good view of the city out several windows - we could see the park. Eventually, we were upgraded to their penthouse suite, which made the long stay really enjoyable.

In the end, I felt honored to have been a guest there. The staff -- to a person -- was accommodating, friendly, professional and personal, just the right touch. From bellhop to the concierge, to front desk staff, to guards, engineers, to house keeping, everyone was in my ‘best’ category.

The Consular Ball was a Best. Gord was guest of honor, he met Aldo Castillo and the beautiful dress I wore stayed up. I could have sung "I feel pretty." And then, to top it off - I met Abou Bakayoko, and found a long lost friend, his uncle.

The blizzard -- just days before opening,

after two days of unseasonable winter so warm we couldn't install anything -- was one of the Best moments: adventure, determination, solidarity -- success!

And now for the thanks . . . I want to say how much we appreciated the open arms and energy of the people of Chicago, whose many and varied contributions made our project so successful.

Thanks to the generous people we met who saw we were strangers and invited us into their homes, who fed us their food and held their glasses up in toasts to our success.

To those who took us out for lunch or dinner on the town, who organized receptions who introduced us. We felt embraced, and we are grateful for your generosity.

To the press who took the time to listen carefully to Gord’s intention, ideas, who came back with questions, curiosity and then translated what they heard and saw to their audience, thank you.

To the people who sent me photographs for the blog: the painting was captured in a myriad of ways, and our diversity as creative people is expressed in every single shot. Your generosity and talent, definitely a Best.

To those who sought us out - to create their own related projects - Danielle Dai, Friendly Joe, Karen from Icy Indiana, Susannah Doolin, Judith Dunbar Hines, Evening Associates, Metro Squash, Museum of Science & Industry - and others who sent emails, phone calls - thank you for adding to what we brought to the table.

To all the volunteers who spent your free time outside, sometimes in bitter cold, just to bring your knowledge of Paintings Below Zero to others, thank you.

To the interns who worked hard and cheerfully alongside us, thank you so very much for your hard work and optimism.

To the City of Chicago Cultural Affairs Department and the City of Chicago Tourism Department, thank you. First, for taking a chance on this out-of-the-box project -- and then for all the diligent and cheerful work you did to realize its success. Lucas, you were just so solid. Jason, a treat to deal with. Joseph, never a better Budget Man.

Opening night was an unqualified Best. Walking to the tent, almost late, I could see it on everyone's faces - their pride and excitement. We had worked hard in all kinds of weather, we had done it, and we were going to celebrate -- together. Mayor Richard Daley, thank you for hosting Paintings Below Zero.

To Colleen Duke and Georges Rioux of the Canadian Consulate: a hundred thanks for the hundreds of things you did for us so well - to promote the project, to make us feel welcome and comfortable. You were definitely All-Out Best.

Our wonderful, inspirational crew on the ground & cast at home: you were The Best Ever.

My Very Best moment was one afternoon when Gord returned, exhausted and exhilarated from working the painting with huge crowds on Chase Promenade.

"I never thought I could find something that would move people the way your work does. But seeing the people respond to the paintings . . . I think I've done it."

Thank you to my cousin Julia, for making the trip from Indiana, to my sisters for keeping in touch - through the blog and by phone & email. To Lori for making the huge effort to be there on opening with your family.

To everyone -- we could feel your excitement from the first day we were here. Thank you for saying yes to Paintings Below Zero in December, and for saying yes, yes, yes everyday.

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

As Hilary and Obama tough it out in the final bid for the democratic nomination for president of the United States, as those desperate to influence the outcome have created a ‘scandal’ which tries a little too hard to smear Obama, we were on a plane to Minneapolis to meet with nine movers and shakers who are interested in bringing Paintings Below Zero to the twin cities.

My emailer yielded a note sent February 11th, which I just have to reproduce here, along with a neon memory of the installation, captured by Matt Hotz.

Congratulations on a splendid artistic endeavor for the city of Chicago!! As one of the underwriters of the recently installed Agora exhibit, I can't thank you enough for your commitment to artistic excellence in these elements, just outstanding!! KUDO's. Husband and I have always enjoyed all the winter festivals in Canada, especially Quebec (drank my first Caribou with Bill Shatner), Montreal, Toronto. You have managed to bring that kind of winter land joy to Chicago. THANK YOU!!!

--Gia McDermott

I’m playing catch up, but delight in remembering how Chicago has put us through our paces up until the last gasp. Our post wake ‘voluminous social calendar’ (as once described by Colleen Duke) included dinner with Colleen’s sister and mother. Above: totally hitting it off at wake dinner at Reza's.

Saturday, we stopped by the wall, already under much duress. Tim, Ari, Lucas et al (the Katies, Matt, Laura & John) had been at it for hours already.

It was just too painful, I couldn’t stay. Instead, squash at the Windy City Open in the Women’s 3.0 category. I lost my first match 3-0 (9-5,9-6, 9-7 because I didn't run) but won my second match 3-0 in a slam dunk.

Then, Saturday night, Amit’s mother, Judith Hasak, created a fabulous meal and theatrical occasion for her family and longtime Israeli friends. I learned the meaning of the word “goy” as we were two such creatures that night. She invited me to read/perform, and again I pulled out a couple of different characters.

At one point Nehemiah left the room to get me a kleenex -- then afterwards, told a moving story of his own. For us, an unforgettable connection with Amit and his remarkable family continues. I left my glittery jacket - Judith says it means we will return to Chicago. (And we will - Gord has a show at Aldo Castillo Gallery in Oct).

Sunday, I won my 3rd match 3 - 0, as I listened to Gord’s last minute direction: “don’t leave anything on the court” and to Peter Wendt’s “lob the ball deep”. I placed 2nd overall. Here's Peter, who plays Australian squash, who coached me.

And Imran, Lakeshore Athletic Club's squash pro.

It was a warm Sunday at the Museum of Contemporary Art where, after a delicious brunch, we took in the Gordon Matta Clark exhibit. Chicago just goes on and on. Jody Oshita-Bajor had given us tickets to the Canuks/Blackhawks game, but we were too exhausted. Then, onto a reception in Gord’s honor at the new, magnificent and thoroughly modern home of architect Brad Lynch. Georges and Sharon had just arrived back from Ottawa; Patrick Pyszka and the famous Emily toasted along with Colleen, Kieran and new friends, guests at the party.

Not to be forgotten, we had in the past week a warm and generous reception from Karen from Icy Indiana - she sought us out after her mother sent her a tear out from Reader’s Digest or some such magazine, (advertising the exhibit) and after reading the blog, as we have many many things in common. She’s keen to see Paintings Below Zero in South Korea and Columbus, Indiana. She came to Chicago expressly to see the wall, and came up early to catch my reading at Aldo Castillo Gallery. Here she is in front of the wall.

A long lost relative of Gordon’s, Gordon McLellan paid a visit, bearing family history and some sketchy news and family stories from earlier days when everyone was alive. Here they are, the two ruddy faced Gordons, at the wall at the wake.

We’re flying over Texas right now, strangely en route to Vancouver (one of the oddities of the American Airlines sponsorship). Yesterday the Twin Cities rallied with a wonderful idea for two installations - one in each city - to coincide with the finishing of the bridge repair. Art as healing. And here they are, those who can make it happen, post meeting in that wonderful surrounded-by-snow-parks-and-rec property just down the street from The Walker Museum.

It’s hot out the window and I can see how my life in front of me is going to take up all the visual space in my mind. So, I’m penning closure thoughts about Chicago on my laptop next to the window. Outside, below the landscape changes. We're heading west - into spring.

Paintings Below Zero installations

Tim Furness, Site Manager

Timothy Furness has worked on two projects for Paintings Below Zero - and proved himself as an intern for the Nathan Phillips Square installation for Winter City Festival in Toronto, and the installation at the Ice Wine Festival in Niagara-on-the-Lake, (both in Ontario, 2007). Tim has a sense of humor and is a fast learner - he and Nancy, J.C., Lucas and Nathan work together to cover all the bases in Production for PBZed.

Ari Lazer, Core crew

The new recruit. An interdisciplinary artist with a passion for art, music and mystery, Ari also has production skills. Fascinated by spirals, fractals and other patterns of growth, Ari loves watching ice crystals form... and of course, lugging around refrigeration plates. He's our guide to Chicago and has managed to fix up a previously mangled bicycle, which he rides everywhere.

Katherine Rae Pavlik, Intern

Katie has a BA in Fine Art from University of Nebraska, Lincoln. She has passion for creating ceramic sculpture and enjoys oil painting, traveling and yoga, as well as Chicago's "offerings of art & culture." Although she answers whenever anyone calls "Katie" (there are 3 interns names Katie) she's an enthusiastic worker, and a welcome addition to Paintings Below Zero intern crew. "I love it," she confessed.

Matt Hotz, Intern

Matt is an artist, bicyclist, disc jockey, self-taught keyboardist and photographer who likes to write. This is his first Paintings Below Zero gig, and he’s a keeper - always ready to lend the hand that‘s needed. Matt says "it’s incredible what water and color can do when they get together and dance a bit. The freezing of their movements is like a photograph of that spirit intertwined.”

Katelyn Cooper, Intern

Katelyn recently moved to Chicago from Michigan, and works as a paintings assistant for artist Tim Lowly. She has a BFA in Painting, & a BA in Art Education (Western Michigan University). An artist who paints, Katie also plays violin with a number of groups in the Chicago area. She's new to Paintings Below Zero, and describes the experience as absolutely "ice"tastic.

Katie Williams, Intern

Katie Louise Williams really likes ice. She grew up making ice rinks in her yard, playing hockey, staring at frosty grass, and, eventually, driving a Zamboni. The project has been one of her favorite experiences with both ice and Canadians. She rides her bike everywhere. When its warmer she's a vegetable farmer.

Laura Annis

Technical crew. Laura is new to Paintings Below Zero. She describes herself as a "multi-faceted artist looking to explore both the technical and artistic elements of creating objects in a stimulating, collaborative environment."

Jaz Halloran, Core Crew

This is Jaz’s third installation with Paintings Below Zero. Jaz brings a Bachelor of Arts degree in Design from Emily Carr College to the project. A fanatic of typefaces, Jaz designed & produced the artbook on the Italy installation, created the flash web site from scratch: paintingsbelowzero.com, designed a full page ad in Modern Painters (Feb 2008 ) & numerous smaller design projects for Paintings Below Zero. Jaz most enjoys goofing amidst hefting and pouring in the icy environment -- with friends.

Erik Olson, Core Crew

Raised in Calgary, Winnipeg, Nairobi, and Boston, Erik is an artist and graphic designer, (Bachelor of Design Emily Carr, 2005), who has cultivated a distinct visual art practice informed by design and international travel. Following his studies with voyages to Honduras, Italy, London, England, Toronto, and Harlem, New York, Olson returned to his native Calgary to open IDEAL, a contemporary art space. www.erikolson.ca

River Rohlicek, Install crew, Paintings

River grew up in Northern California and earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Sculpture) from UC Santa Cruz. His wild, youthful days of travel ended abruptly when he fell in love with a dancer. Now he's married, with 3 kids, a house, 2 cars and a dog living in semi-rural British Columbia as a stone mason. He relishes "being part of a purely creative venture" and loves cutting into "a material much softer" than stone.

Nancy Barber, Docent Training

Originally from the U.K., Nancy is now based in Toronto. With a background in art education, she first worked with Paintings Below Zero as a volunteer docent for the Nathan Phillips Square installation at Toronto's City Hall (2007). Nancyloves the lively interaction that Paintings Below Zero inspires.

Adrian Goldberg, Lighting

Adrian has worked in the Broadcast, Film and Live Production fields for the past 28 years and is presently Lighting Consultant to the CTV Television Network, TSN and Rogers Sportsnet. He also counts amongst his clientele the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, for whom he is the Lighting and Set Designer for their worldwide festivals.

Art Sutherland, Refrigeration Guru

Art spends most of his time continent hopping with Accent Refrigeration in the cool quest to design and install the perfect system. His favorite gig is Paintings Below Zero - and will continue to be until hell freezes over. He calls home Victoria, British Columbia with his wife and 4 daughters.

Joao Carlos D"Almedia (JC), Plates install crew

This is JC’s fourth installation with Paintings Below Zero. A dedicated professional who doesn’t take “no” for an answer, JC was hired to construct the wall for the Millennium Park installation. He has a diploma in Furniture Design and a BFA in Theatre Design. During the year, he is head carpenter for The Arts Club Theatre on Granville Island in Vancouver.

Patrick Firpo, Production Consultant

Nancy Cottingham Powell, Production Manager

Nancy has worked with Gordon and Caitlin with PBZ since the 2005 Italy installation. She’s the go-to person behind the scenes. Nancy is responsible to have everything in place before the crew hits the location. She brings 21 years of event management experience to this gig, and she is inspired by the work. “To me, the magic of the ice paintings is the response from people when they see the exhibit and how much it touches them.”

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About Me

Graduate of Fine Arts, Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, with a double major: French & English. Writer for Mattel Toy Co, as well as CBS and NBC radio in San Francisco. Dropped out to become an actress/playwright. (See fatsalmon.ca for more info on my work, esp feature film Singing the Bones)